Workshop on Basic Hands-on Training in Molecular Biology Laboratory Held at Habiganj Agricultural University 

A day-long training programme titled “Hands-on Training in Molecular Biology Laboratory: DNA Extraction, PCR, Gel Documentation and Spectrophotometric Analysis” was held at Habiganj Agricultural University on Tuesday (19 August) with the aim of enhancing students’ research and practical skills in molecular biology laboratory techniques. The training programme, organized at the university’s Molecular Biology Laboratory, was attended by 20 students of BSc Ag (Hons), Level-4, Semester-1, Session 2021–22. The inaugural session of the training programme was formally inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Habiganj Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Md. Mozammel Hoque, as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Mohammad Ismail Hossain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university, was present as the Special Guest. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Md. Aminul Islam, Associate Director of IQAC. 

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the importance of molecular biology is increasing day by day in modern agriculture and life science-based research. He added that such training programmes would continue in the future to develop students into skilled researchers. 

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, in his speech as the Special Guest, said that modern laboratory-based education is highly important for improving the quality of higher education and research. He added that such hands-on training would play a significant role in the students’ future research and professional careers. 

During the technical sessions of the day-long training, practical instruction was provided on an introduction to the Molecular Biology Laboratory, laboratory safety, DNA and RNA extraction, spectrophotometry, hands-on DNA extraction from plant samples, DNA and RNA quantification, preparation of PCR reagents and PCR setup, gel documentation, and data analysis. The training was conducted by Professor Dr. Ferdaus Mohammad Altaf Hossain of the Department of Dairy Science, Sylhet Agricultural University; Professor Dr. G. H. M. Sagor of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University; and Dr. Sohel Rana, a PhD Fellow of the Department of Dairy Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, who served as Resource Persons. The university’s Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) provided overall support in implementing the training programme at the Molecular Biology Laboratory. 

The day-long training concluded with an open discussion, question-and-answer session, collection of feedback from the participants, distribution of certificates, and closing remarks.